Description

Description
The sale of River Farm presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well located and diverse mixed-use investment, with the benefit of a significant established rental income. Situated in an accessible location, within the South Downs National Park, the farm lies off A272 between the popular towns of Petworth to the east (2.7 miles), and Midhurst to the west (4 miles).

The farm extends to about 59.33 acres in total, with a 10m gallon capacity reservoir, a modern steel framed packhouse let for £72,000 per annum and 2.5 acres of land formerly used for accommodating seasonal workers.

The farm adjoins Nyetimber’s established vineyards and offers potential for growing vines or creating a standalone vineyard across its south / south west facing slopes.

Lot 1 River Farmland 55.50 acres and Reservoir

The land extends to approximately 49.65 acres and has been farmed in-hand, primarily used for arable cropping with some areas down to grass. The land is classified as a mixture of grade 2 and 3 on the Land Classification Soil Series of England and Wales.

The land benefits from an abstraction licence from the River Lod and a 10m gallon capacity reservoir, with irrigation pumphouse. The reservoir is currently used for agricultural irrigation but also environmental benefits, creating and maintaining natural habitats and ecosystems.

The land and reservoir have separate access from the A272 and, with its south/south west facing slopes, has potential for planting vines.

Lot 2 River Farm Packhouse and circa 3.83 acres

The packhouse lies to the east of the land, with its own secure gated entrance off Brookfield Lane and is a modern steel portal framed building, with a total gross external area of approximately 11,400 sq ft.

Currently used for the pressing and temporary storage of grapes and for the keeping of vineyard equipment, the packhouse is currently let on a 10 year lease from September 2022, for £72,000 per annum, exclusive of VAT and subject to review in July 2025. There is a mutual break clause on 28/2/28 with 9 months written notice. Further information on the lease is available from the vendor’s agents.

To the rear of the packhouse there is about 2 acres which has previously been used for siting caravans for seasonal workers.

General Remarks

Method of Sale
River Farm is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole or in two lots.

Tenure and Possession
The tenure of the property is freehold with vacant possession of Lot 1, and the 2 acres to the rear of the packhouse, being granted on completion. Holdover of the standing crop will be required until this year’s harvest, early entry to establish next season’s crop will be by negotiation.

Lot 2 is sold subject to Packhouse lease (further details are available from the vendor’s agents).

Plans, Areas and Schedules
The plans and associated acreages have been prepared for illustrative purposes and their accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

BPS and CSS
For the avoidance of doubt, no BPS entitlements or delinked payments are included or available.

The land and reservoir in Lot 1 is sold subject to a Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement until 31st December2026. The purchaser will be expected to take on the agreement and to indemnify the vendors against any losses. Further details are available from the vendor’s agents.

Abstraction licence
There are two water abstraction licences for operations at River Farm. The winter licence (SO/041/0026/002/R01), effective from April 2016, allows for spray irrigation, storage and water transfer between sources from December to March. The summer licence (10/41/432310), effective since March 1974, permits direct spray irrigation from April to September. Both licences ensure sustainable water use, supporting efficient agricultural practices. Further details are available from the vendor’s agents upon request.

Local Authorities
West Sussex County Council https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/
Chichester District Council https://www.chichester.gov.uk/
South Downs National Park Authority https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/

Designations
The entirety of the farm lies within the South Downs National Park.

Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way
The property is offered for sale, subject to and with benefit of all rights of way either public or private, all easements, wayleaves and other rights of way whether specifically mentioned or not.

There is one public footpath crossing the field to the north west of Lot 1.

Sporting, Timber and Mineral Rights
The sporting and timber rights, so far as they are owned, are included in the sale. It is intended that the mineral rights will be reserved to the vendor, although they may be included in the
sale (so far as they are owned) by negotiation.

VAT
In the event that the sale of the property, or part of it or any right attached to it, becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable by the purchaser in addition to the consideration.


Viewings & Health and Safety
Given the potential hazards, viewers should take care and precaution with regard to their personal safety when viewing.

Viewings are by appointment only and accompanied with Savills.

Directions

Postcode
GU28 9BJ

What3words (best for directions)
Lot 1 ///mooring.equipment.layered
Lot 2 ///onlookers.important.smile